If you’re a content creator on YouTube, one of your ultimate goals is probably to monetize your channel. This means you’ll be able to earn money from the ads on your videos. But what exactly changes when your channel gets monetized? Let’s dive into the details.
The Requirements for Monetization
Before we get into the changes that occur when your channel gets monetized, it’s important to know what the requirements are. In order to monetize your channel, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Have at least 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10M Valid Public Shorts Views in 90 days.
- Comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for monetization through YouTube’s Partner Program.
Applying for the YouTube Partner Program
Once you’ve met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the YouTube Partner Program. This program allows you to monetize your videos, track your earnings, and gain access to other features such as custom thumbnails and live streaming. The application process is fairly straightforward and typically takes a few days to be reviewed.
Changes to Your Channel
When your channel gets monetized, you’ll notice a few changes. Here are the most significant ones:
- Ads on Your Videos
The most obvious change is that ads will start playing on your videos. You’ll earn money from these ads based on how many views they get and how much advertisers are willing to pay for them.
- YouTube Premium Revenue
If you’re in a country where YouTube Premium is available, you’ll also earn a share of the revenue from YouTube Premium subscribers who watch your videos.
- Access to Monetization Tools
Once you’re in the YouTube Partner Program, you’ll have access to a variety of monetization tools. These include features like Super Chat, Merchandise Shelf, and Memberships, which can all help you earn additional revenue from your channel.
- Monetization Review Process
It’s worth noting that once you’re monetized, YouTube will continue to review your content to make sure it complies with its policies. If you violate their guidelines, your monetization may be removed.
Revenue Share
Here’s a Table of how revenue is shared between YouTube and content creators:
| Revenue Source | Content Creator’s Share | YouTube’s Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ad Revenue | 55% | 45% |
| YouTube Premium Revenue | 50% | 50% |
Understanding Ad Types and Revenue
When your channel is monetized, you’ll start to see ads appearing on your videos. These ads can take various forms, such as pre-roll ads, mid-roll ads, and display ads. You won’t have any control over the types of ads that appear on your videos, but YouTube will ensure that they are relevant and appropriate for your audience.
As for revenue, YouTube pays its creators around $2-$7 per 1,000 views. This may not seem like a lot, but when you consider that some channels receive millions of views per video, it can quickly add up.
In fact, there are many YouTubers who have been able to turn their channels into full-time careers and earn six-figure salaries from their content.
Benefits of Monetizing Your Channel
- Earn money from your content and potentially turn your channel into a full-time career.
- Validation and recognition for your hard work and dedication.
- Open up new opportunities for collaboration and sponsorships with brands.
- Access to other features, such as custom thumbnails and live streaming.
- Ability to track your earnings and analyze your audience metrics.
- Motivation to create even better content to attract and retain viewers.
- Chance to reinvest your earnings into your channel and improve the quality of your videos.
Wrap Up
Getting monetized on YouTube is a major accomplishment and a testament to the hard work and dedication that you have put into your channel.
It opens up new opportunities for earning money, collaboration, and validation. However, it’s important to remember that monetization is not the end goal and that creating quality content should always be your top priority.
Monetization should be seen as a bonus and a way to continue doing what you love while earning a living from it.